ANIMAL-loving pupils from a Whitefield school have given a warm welcome to some special friends — a pair of educational chickens.

Cockadoodleduo Daisy and Maisy arrived at Elms Bank Specialist Arts College in Ripon Avenue from Cronkshaw Fold Farm in Helmshore a fortnight ago and they are already proving a hit with students.

The school, which teaches 153 pupils with a range of learning disabilities, bought the lovable creatures so they can feature in lessons.

It is the first school in Bury to own chickens.

They are helping children learn about animal welfare, how their bodies work and how much money can be paid by selling their eggs after their feed has been paid for.

So far, three teachers and five pupils have completed a chicken awareness course at Cronkshaw Fold Farm and, when more chickens arrive at the school later this year, more pupils will take part in the workshop.

Elms Bank assistant headteacher Paul Eckley said: “We brought the chickens in because we wanted our children to learn how to look after them and nurture them.

“Maisy and Daisy are very people friendly and love to be held.

“The pupils absolutely adore them.

“The only problem is getting the children to lessons on time because they are so fascinated by looking at the animals in their coop in the school courtyard.

He added: “We have made a good start and we hope that the chickens will become a focal point in maths and science lessons in future.The teachers love them too and we’ve got a waiting list for their eggs.”